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Monthly Archives: October 2009

Happy Halloween!

I love this time of year. I love the crisp, cool air. I love the changing leaves. And, thank you sweet Jesus for making the rain stop! Yes, this is my favorite time of year. Fall. My favorite holiday is today too. I love the spooky decorations, seeing the kids in their creative costumes, and watching my one-time-a-year scary movie (I’m a fraidy cat). Here are some photos from the house decorations this year, just before it got dark tonight. Boo!

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I love when people knocking on the door tell us how much they love coming to our home each year. They look forward to seeing the decorations! FUN!

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Lucky Me!

I got the nicest email yesterday telling me that I was featured on the Lucky Me blog on their Love Me Inspiration Board! Go check out this inspiring blog! Love it!

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That Blue Light

Melissa pointed something out at her workshop the other day when she showed us a photo with the bluest sky. I had read this before, here. See Myth #2 – I never tried it before. But, I know now that I can achieve this result, as it’s more aware to me. Hey, look at that? I did it without even knowing it at the wedding I shot with Megan Morgan in Ohio this summer! The stringed lights above were mesmerizing me the entire time. I only had wished that all the guests would have been able to dance outside, under the lights. Unfortunately, it got rainy and cold. The festivities moved inside the yacht club instead. Me? I stood outside and kept playing.

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The MJ 2Day Workshop for Photographers

Ahhh, home sweet home. It’s always nice to get off the plane, get your luggage and come home to wagging butts of my doggies. I was away for a week. I loved every minute of my trip this time. It’s never enough either. When I leave, Audra and I always say, it’s just not enough time! This time though, I really suffered from my allergies and the dust that was blowing around a lot in the Phoenix area. It’s actually nice to get back to the humidity and rain for a little relief.

One of the purposes of my trip was the MJ2Day workshop for photographers hosted by Melissa Jill. She’s one of the most sought after wedding photographers in her area and was a wealth of information that will be invaluable to me for years to come. I came away with so much inspiration. It will totally set me apart from what other photographers are doing and I cannot wait to implement the ideas and my own revelations.

Read Melissa’s post today!

The first day together, Melissa hosted a mock engagement session. Seeing how she interacts with her couples is amazing. It flows so well and I love this shot of the couple. I didn’t shoot much because I really wanted to watch what she was doing.

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Here’s some of the photographers that attended, getting in on the action!

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I can’t say enough about these people that attended. I know that I was rewarded with an amazing group of friends that I’ll have for a long time. People that had the same thoughts and concerns about business, as I did. People that want the same things I want in my business. It’s a gift. On the last day, we all went to Gilbert to get headshots from Melissa and to photograph each other. I didn’t have enough time to get to everyone. We were having so much fun! Here’s a few!

This is the talented, Amanda Pair! She’s adorable. Got to see her at the airport this morning as I was waiting at the skycab!

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This is the sweet, Anna Swarin – from CT! Love this chick and how she wanted to twirl for me…like I have my seniors do!

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Robin first had me play with “the ball” but then we had her splash the water towards us! SO CUTE huh? Love this! And, Robin Watson below!

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Bruce came all the way from Canada and was the only dude. But, his adorable wife came and joined us for dinner one night. They are so cute! Go Bruce Clarke!

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Dallas was full of good info and very photogenic!

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Jessica is the most excellent cook that fixed our dinner the second night. And, talk about a FUNNY lady! I truly enjoyed her!

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Lucy was one of the carpool buddies with my group. I had fun talking to her about our thoughts about the workshop on the drives.

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What can I say about Kelly? SO cute! She got in the fountain for us! She’s in Atlanta, and I sure hope to get to see her again since I will be down that way in a few weeks.

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I didn’t get any of Denise, Janna, Courtney – I could have spent hours with these guys! I can’t say enough about how important it is to continue to educate yourself. Budget for the really rewarding workshops – you owe it to your business!

Now, back to the grind of work tomorrow!

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The Gorgeous Desert

I’ve really been enjoying my time out here in Phoenix. Tomorrow, I start my workshop down in Gilbert. It’s about a 1 1/2 hour drive each way from where I’m staying (in traffic), but they are all day workshops. I’m excited to learn and get inspired by this area’s top wedding photographer, Melissa Jill. Today, we ate at my favorite restaurant in Cave Creek – El Encanto. Oh my gosh. They have the best pollo fundido on their menu. Seriously. THE. BEST. We don’t have this item on our menus in St. Louis. I asked the guy at one about it and he told me that I could let them know what it has and they would be happy to make it for me. Now, I have the ingredients. MMMMMM.

Today, I got a beautiful shot of a saguaro cactus. Lovely. I love the desert.

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